Review Centre: Big Bands

"Please will you pass on our thanks to all members of Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra. We have such good memories of our friends having a great time when the swing band was playing and loads of people have been in touch to say how much they enjoyed the music. We really hope to see you perform again in the North West but until then we shall continue enjoying listening to the CD – it has enlivened every car journey since we returned from honeymoon. Many thanks once again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our 50th anniversary party was everything we had hoped it would be. Our guest list was a very broad age range and the Texas Gypsies were a huge hit. You should feel very lucky to have the privilege of their talent. Steve Curry, the manager was very helpful and easy to work with. Thank you again to the Texas Gypsies for helping make our party the success it was! K phillips"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"With all the hype going to Wynton Marsalis, you might not guess that there are other, lesser-known, straight-ahead trumpet players out there who are consistently ripping the hide off the ball. This, Rick Holland's auspicious debut, is an impressive effort. The trumpeter leads his quartet, backed by a solid Michigan-based rhythm section: pianist Terry Lower, bassist Ed Fedewwa, and drummer Larry Ochiltree, through a fiery trail of originals and standards, interspersed with some fine balladry. Holland's sensitive ear translates to some tight arrangements and a well-organized program. On flugelhorn, he boasts a rich, full tone that purrs with warmth. On the faster tunes, he steams. This is the kind of jazz that feels just right on a wintry day, with the fireplace in full throttle, and the feet resting on a cushion: it hits the spot perfectly, drenched with emotional power and skillful fortitude. Steve Loewy, All Music Guide"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have been meaning to message you directly also to thank you. What you produced the night of our wedding was nothing short of magical - and I do not say this lightly. I am very happy to hear the band enjoyed the evening - I think their enjoyment and energy showed through their music. The feedback we have had from guests is overwhelming, particularly that the band and the singer (I don't remember his name) was the best they have ever heard at a wedding. You guys nailed the performance. I am so happy that we decided to do a live version, you could not have gotten the same energy and vibe with just a recording / original version. Your two sets were also perfect. There were a few times that we all stopped in the marquee to listen and appreciate the music, particularly My Way - I remember looking around and quite a few people were singing along! I think another sign of a success of a wedding is the number of people on the dance floor, and there was not an empty space during the second set. The amount of people of all ages dancing was a true highlight for me as we wanted this to be a wedding that everyone would enjoy - not just us." Alexa"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Just a line to thank you so much for your set at our party. You really were excellent. As people left and in the thank you notes so many people commented on what a great band you are and how much they enjoyed your music. Very professional and very talented."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Since 2011, the band has a new focus. First, it is commissioning the legendary Bill Dobbins, to write sample arrangements from his famous “Evolution of Jazz Piano”, a series of movements based on the tune “All of Me”. Secondly, is breaking in it’s new vocalist, 19 year old sensation, Lindsey Holland. The band currently has over 60 arrangements for her to sing, including selections from Nancy Wilson’s disc with Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore, we have a Christmas Set now for her to sing, as well as many straight ahead jazz standards. The hope is for this group to record both of these projects sometime in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Man, the commercial sounds awesome!!! Everyone thinks its Frank Sinatra. Amazing. You nailed it! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Will WOW!!!! We have had nothing but fantastic feedback about the band at our ‘Happily Ever Party'. Ian and I had the best time and NQBB definitely made the day for us. We just need another occasion to hire you again! A huge thank you to you all. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"No tenemos palabras para agradecer lo increíbles que fuisteis el día de nuestra boda. ¡Hicisteis del aperitivo un momento mágico e inolvidable! Todos los invitados nos hablaron de vosotros: la energía, el talento y el buen rollo que transmitisteis fue impresionante. Conseguisteis que todo el mundo conectara con la música desde el primer minuto. ¡Gracias por ponerle banda sonora a uno de los días más felices de nuestra vida!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul is a consummate performer who builds an exceptional rapport with his audience. Paul's warm vocals and infectious charm are guaranteed to get your toes tapping and lift your hearts with joy!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My guys were booked at this location and it went well. I got good feedback from the Mgr and they just rebooked them again. They are excited the business liked them and wanted them back."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It is said that the largest portion of a bride’s budget should be directed towards entertainment. I am a living witness that investing in your entertainment is crucial. Even more so, the RIGHT type of entertainment. Andrew Thielen Big Band band was the right choice for my Thanksgiving eve wedding. Let’s be honest, in this day and age it’s a challenge to find professional entertainment that soothes the soul and inspires. Andrew Thielen Big Band did that and then some. Hear me when I tell you, this band ROCKED the house. They added the air of class and sophistication that I so desired. Not only were they amazing to engage, the quality of music was second to none. Their sound is PHENOMENAL. I almost shied away from hiring them because I only had 75 invited guests. I was concerned that their larger than life sound would overtake us. My Gosh was I was wrong. Their larger than life sound brought the funk, soul, jazz and pizazz that kept my guests on the dance floor until the very end. We laughed, we cried and bonded with the band in a way that brought us together as family. Every time that I reflect on them playing, You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (Gladys Knight) I tear up. Andrew went out of his way to make our wedding reception a night to remember. Thank you! ♥️??? The soloist we’re incredible! And y’all, let’s just say, COME THROUGH HORNS! Readers, if you’re harboring ANY doubt, release it and hire this band. It is my desire and promise to bring them in for all of my future events. Many blessings to the Andrew Thielen Big Band! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dear Danilo, You made our wedding by worlds the most special, wonderful, humorous and emotional experience in recent years. Friends and family keep telling us how great our free wedding ceremony was.... We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. PS: some are still asking for cookies???? best regards Stephan & Collin & Nadine"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It began as a Swing Band project, in the winter of 2005, in Oswego, NY, where Rick met Evan Dobbins, and put together a ten-piece swing band, to play occasional concerts, and private parties. Evan was to contract and Rick would be in charge of music when, the band played five, or six-events, and Rick had the idea, they would not only play swing music, but play modern jazz. Thus, ''The Little Big Band'', and ''Uptown Society Orchestra'' were formed. In 2006, the band released their first disc, entitled “In Times Shadow”, which was a mainstream release on Blue Jazz. It received wide critical acclaim, prompting Ollie Bivins in LA to say: “Rick Holland (Trumpet) and Evan Dobbins (Trombone) lead a group of New York area musicians, who could give the more well-known big bands in New York and Los Angelas a run for their money, and as part of the the Blue jazz label, a label that promotes and distributes jazz musician’s albums. this big band is taking its destiny into it’s own hands rather than wait to be “discovered” by the major labels. More power to this label and all others who do the same. Lovers of Big Band music, especially, will like the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band’s refreshing recording.” Doug Collar in East Lansing, Mi said this....''I have just played “In Time’s Shadow” the new CD from the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band. What a disc! What a sound! What an ensemble! This disc is my top nomination for jazz ensemble release of the year. The arranging is nonpareil and the soloists masterful. The whole package is varied, listenable, and leaves the audience asking for more. Rick Holland and Evan Dobbins have created a musical experience that our listeners will absorb and enjoy.'' After the release of this disc, the band landed their first steady gig at Tasteology, every Monday night. The gig lasted 2 years, as the bands repertoire grew. The band then moved over to the Loving Cup, in Henrietta, New York. They played on Sunday nights, this gig lasted 3 years. This led to the band 2nd recording, “Trilby”, in 2011. Some of the review was just marvelous. For example: Throughout Trilby, the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band plays on the level of most better-known ensembles, performing music that is inventive, full of life and fun. Their CD is highly recommended.-Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, The LA Times What a surprise! This band and musicians were unknown to me, but they are absolutely great! For listeners to hear musicians challenge themselves, and be taken along for the ride, records like this are a must! The musicians in the Rick Holland-Evan Dobbins Little Big Band are all reaching the high musical standards realized by playing in this excellent Little Big Band! This music will be featured in my playlists for many months to come. Thank you again for sending this exceptional CD to me. Peter Kuller - Jazz Presenter Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, and www.radio.adelaide.edu.au JPL "Jazz from Down Under". The liner notes inform us that this ensemble started as a swinging dance band in 2005. Since then, they've evolved into a solid, well-arranged outfit with first rate solos played by intriguing, skilled jazz cats. The feeling I derived from the CD was similar to a classic Blue Note session. You know, several well-written originals that are melodically strong, and a few standards to test the players' chops on familiar material. The co-leaders play flugelhorn and trombone, respectively. Most of the arrangements come from pianist Bill Dobbins, who allows plenty of room for free-swinging solo work. The familiar vehicles here include Benny Golson's "Stablemates" and Sonny Stitt's "Eternal Triangle." I also spotted a tune called "Rich's Call" by Kerry Strayer, a baritone player of the highest stripe, and a skilled composer and arranger as well. It is interesting to note three compositions from jazz harmonica whiz, Hendrik Meurkens. Perhaps, he has some connection to the band. Finally, it should be said that this session is directed straight down the middle of the bop highway. Simply an outstanding blowing session on songs that, amazingly enough, sound like songs! Wow! What a Surprise! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stolen Moments was perfect for our company holiday party and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Event Date: December 14th, 2018 Services Provided: Jazz Band"

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